Richard A. Chappel

Rich had a broadcafoerfti public relations work when he first bee1J_me affiliated with the’ fowirig; i-rtdustiy irt California. Prior to that some efforts were made to form a statewide association in California, but it had never- succeeded. Rich preached professional concepts and in 1970, the CTTA took off on the right basis.

Later, Rich became part of an effort to form a national group. Pioneers from Illinois and Canada and a few western states called a meeting but were unable to get the movement on line. It was called the North American Towing Association and Rich was involved.

In 1978, a small group met in Dallas to consider another effort for a National Association. Rich was there, and he volunteered his services to travel to any state to help get a state association formed and thus, to participate in a national. This effort also was before its time and came to naught.

Kansas City, August 29, 1979. Twenty-seven men held up their hands and voted to form the Towing and Recovery Association of America. Although Rich Chappel has not received recognition for his presence and contribution, he was there and did his part. As the Executive Director of CTTA, Rich has been strong and reliable in representing the industry’s interests in what is no doubt the world’s most complex market and regulatory environment. He has served that association for 17 years. Furthermore, he has been the kingpin for the Official Police Garage Association – the world’s most efficient law enforcement use of the commercial towing industry.